The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has asked the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, to refund the N300millinion hosting right given to them by the state over their decision to take the conference out of the state.
NBA leadership had cited political instability in the state for its decision to move the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu State.
Reacting to the NBA’s decision, Ibas said it was misleading and uncharitable and asked the NBA to return the money the state gave them by Governor Siminalayi Fubara before he was suspended.
Speaking through his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, in a statement, Ibas said though the NBA reserves the right to choose a venue for its conference, it also has the moral right to refund the money.
“While we respect the NBA’s right to choose its conference venues, we find it curious that the association, despite its “principled position”, didn’t address the refund of the N300 million already paid by the Rivers State government for the hosting rights of the 2025 conference.
“If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits,” the statement stated.
“We find the reasons cited for this decision particularly the insinuation that the Sole Administrator’s actions have undermined democracy and the rule of law, to be misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming of an association that prides itself on upholding justice and fairness.
“The NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State. The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes.”
“Rather than contributing to unnecessary tension, we expect the NBA, as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy, to engage constructively, offering solutions instead of amplifying divisive narratives.
“The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress.”
